Lehigh Valley Arts News

June 09, 2012

Bach Choir honored

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is one of 788 not-for-profit national, regional, state and local organizations nationwide to receive an National Endowment for the Art Works grant. The Choir is recommended for a $10,000 grant to support its educational outreach programs. The 788 Art Works grants total almost $25 million and support the creation of art that meets the highest standard of excellence, public engagment with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts and the strenghtening of communities through the arts.

The choir's education outreach programs include Bach to School, Family Concerts, a Young Composers Competition and free Bach at Noon concerts.

The Bach Choir's educational outreach programs have also received national recognition from Chorus America. In 2010, the choir was a finalist for Chorus America's Educational Outreach Award. This year, Chorus America published an extensive article about the Choir's educational programs on its website, entitled "Kids in Pennsylvania Learn Why Bach Is an 'Awesome Dude.' " Greg Funfgeld will make a presentation at the Chorus America National Conference in Minneapolis, June 13-16. The subject of Funfgeld's presentation on June 14 will be "Integrating Mission-Based Educational Outreach Programs."

Lehigh Art Alliance Winners

The Lehigh Art Alliance 77th Annual Spring Juried Show at the Baum School of Art in Allentown has announced its winners for the exhibition.

Enrollment is under way for the annual summer jazz camp at Moravian College, which runs July 8-13. It offers jam sessions, jazz history, master classes, workshops, classes in recording techniques, plus a recording session.

The instrumental program emphasizes improvisation within a small combo setting and a big band. A public concert is presented on July 13. Two tracks are offered: beginner/intermediate (for anyone) and advanced (audition only). Musicians entering grades 8-12 and college students are encouraged to enroll. Day or resident options available. High school juniors and older have the option to earn college credit.

The camp costs $400-$800. Call 610-861-1650 or go to http://www.SummerJazz.moravian.edu.

Art in the Garden Rain Barrel Project

The Emmaus Arts Commission launched the second annual Art in the Garden Rain Barrel Project and silent auction during a kick-off reception at the clock building June 1.

Six barrels will be on display in the front windows of the clock building June 11 through July 21 and are available for purchase through silent auction.

The commission invited artists to paint 55-gallon rain barrels as part of a way to make an artistic statement while educating the Emmaus community on the benefits of using rain barrels to reduce runoff and improve water quality.

Local artists submitted sketches and short summaries of their design. Chosen artists are Angela Darling Faidley, Becky Hay, Lauren Kuhn, Karen Lyngdoh, Joanne Morgan and the Emmaus High School Art Club.

Official bid sheets will be located at Emmaus Borough Hall weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bids start at $100 per barrel with minimum bid increments of $10. Silent bids will also be taken 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emmaus Farmers Market on June 24, July 1, July 8 and July 15.

Final bids will be accepted the day of the auction 1-6 p.m. July 21 at Community Park. Auction results will be announced during the Community Day Old-Timers Baseball Game.